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Willard council adopts 2026 water and sewer rate increases, approves EMS fee schedule and procurement resolutions
Summary
The Willard City Council unanimously adopted ordinances raising 2026 water and sewer rates and a fee schedule for EMS transports, and approved procurement and surplus-property resolutions. Council said changes are needed to cover operating costs and prepare the 2026 budget.
The Willard City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 1 to increase water and sewer service rates for 2026 and to adopt a schedule of fees for emergency medical services.
City Manager stated the water rate increase will add $2.40 to a typical monthly bill if usage remains the same, saying, “This means you will pay $2.40 more if you use the same amount of water each month.” Council approved Ordinance No. 6013-25 (water rate increase), Ordinance No. 6014-25 (sewer rate increase), and Ordinance No. 6015-25 (EMS and ambulance transport fees) on second reading, with motions moved by Councilmember Olson and seconded by Councilmember Danhoff; the votes were recorded as unanimous (Babcock, Danhoff, Daniel, Elmlinger, McKenzie, Olson, and Sattig voted aye).
The council also received first readings of Ordinance No. 6016-25, to allow necessary transfers for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026, and Ordinance No. 6017-25, to set the annual appropriations for 2026; those two measures were presented by title only and were not adopted on Dec. 1.
Two administrative resolutions were considered and adopted after the council voted to suspend the rules. Resolution No. 2641-25 authorizes the City Manager to advertise for bids for materials, supplies, insurance, equipment and services for calendar year 2026. Resolution No. 2642-25 declares the city's intent to sell property no longer needed for municipal purposes through an internet auction in 2026. Both resolutions were moved by Olson, seconded by Danhoff, and passed unanimously.
Council accepted several small donations related to community events during the meeting: $4,091.88 from the Willard Moose Lodge for the Police Department, $500 from an anonymous donor for the Festival of Lights, and $150 from Hunter's Haven for the Festival of Lights; each acceptance passed on motions moved by Olson and seconded by Danhoff.
City Manager and council members framed the rate and fee changes as necessary to cover service costs and to finalize the 2026 budget. The measures take effect as specified in each ordinance; items presented for first reading will return to council for subsequent consideration.
